23/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

Today morning, I went to offer my obeisances to Guru Maharaja. He was just starting the breakfast. When I was getting up, Guru Maharaja said, “I was reading from Caitanya-caritamrita, Madhya-Lila Chapter 9.3.

“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s tour of South India was certainly very extraordinary because He visited many thousands of places of pilgrimage there.”

Guru Maharaja was in joy said, we can have many more lotus footprints installations in South India. There are many famous temples.

And Guru Maharaja asked, what are the facilities for me to stay in South India Safari. I need a dialysis facility. Then I explained him what is our plan, like in Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Trivandrum for his stay and dialysis facilities.

Then, Vaisnavapriya Prabhu was asking to me tell Guru Maharaja that, Kavicandra Mahārāja - mentioned that there were not many devotees attends Bhagavatam classes as like on Saturday Guru Maharaja’s class. So, it is a request that, Guru Maharaja could make that all the devotees could come everyday.

I said, Saturday we get so much hall-full. Because, schools have holiday and parents and kids could come for class. So that is also one of the reasons to get more attendance. But, we all know for sure, it is because of Guru Maharaja everyone is getting attracted. We also see, during the evening classes, not many local devotees comes to his classes as well.

Then, I left his room, as Guru Maharaja was keep on talking, and asking questions while eating. It is not good. So, I said to Guru Maharaja, “I will wait outside.” Then later I left the lotus building, and Deva Gauranga Prabhu called and said, Guru Maharaja calling you. So, I rushed back. Then Guru Maharaja said, “No one read me today’s verse!” So, I read the verse, the purport was short, so I read the next verse. Then Guru Maharaja said, it is alright. And I went to temple and informed Gopati Krishna Prabhu and Sujitendriya Prabhu to read two verses.

Guru Maharaja came out of his room and blessed few devotees. Then he had darsana of the Deities, and started to give his class.

21/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

Somehow, not able to write my diaries. But, I will try to write some notes.

Today the doctors are going to give Homeopathic medicines for Guru Maharaja, so some changes in his schedule, normally Guru Maharaja will do his Gayatri after the class, and then take his dinner. Now due to this Medicine, he have to take his dinner immediately after the class - by the time we give this medicine, Guru Maharaja should take his dinner within 15mins.

So, we cancelled darsanas after the class today. But, there were one Bengali couple from Bolpur, near Santi-neketan - they were in so much of pain, and they wanted to take Guru Maharaja’s advice or guidance and blessings. Mathura Nitai Prabhu got them. He explain me their pain. They both had a daughter 21 year old. Who passed away recently in a bike accident. They three went to Vraja-mandala Parikrama. And, the daughter did Parikrama for 7 days, and returned back to Bolpur for her studies. The couple continued to do the Parikrama for 20 days. On the 21st day, here in Bolpur, their only daughter met an accident and passed away. These devotee couples, came back immediately to Bolpur, and their pain was too heavy. So, I explained it to Guru Maharaja. And he said, “It is unbearable pain,” and blessed them. Then the mother asked, “How can we overcome this pain and do devotional service?” Guru Maharaja said, “One should understand that this material world is temporary, and full of suffering. All our loved ones are taken away.” Then Guru Mahārāja meditated for a while, and said, “Your daughter went back to Krishna - He doesn’t want her to suffer any more in this material world, if she would have been in this world, she would have put into many different tests and sufferings.” And then he asked their age, mother was 38 and Father was 43. Normally, in Bengal they get marry in their young age, and beget a child.

Guru Maharaja’s servants were taking him back, and some South American devotees were trying to get his blessings, but Maha Varaha Prabhu stopped them all. As this discussing is very important for the couple, who are in pain. Then, Guru Maharaja also, stopped the servants and said, “I want to say something!!!” Then Guru Maharaja said, “you both try for garbhadana samskara and beget one more child!” With this instruction, he blessed them both. And went to take his dinner.

We cannot imagine, what kind of instructions comes from Guru Maharaja. He can see the future - and he is always connected to Krishna, so his words also comes true, if one sincerely put effort with faith.

Santirupa Mataji leaving to Bangalore tomorrow morning, she asked for a brahmana thread for Anukulya Kesava Prabhu in Bangalore, he is one of our senior godbrother. He also big in his body, so we got a brahmana thread according to his size, and I gave to Guru Maharaja for chanting after his dinner. Guru Maharaja said, “It should have two knots, six strings - he is grhastha. 3 knots and 9 strings for Sannyasis.” After his dinner he chanted and gave the thread. There is no guru that practically is this much approachable for disciples.

13-17/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

I am not getting time to write my diaries. Somehow, the days were busy and Bhisma Pancaka. As per the advise of Guru Maharaja we made the schedule for today, so in the morning Guru Maharaja said, I will go to dialysis room and take my breakfast, and he was there in the 3rd floor lotus building at exactly 8am. And the dialysis began, and he had his fruit salad, boiled potatoes, as his breakfast. As today is a Dvadasi day, as every year this year also devotees around the world raised the same question - whether we have to break our Ekadasi fast? Then last night Guru Maharaja gave one official message that, this Bhisma Pancaka fast is one vrata, it ends on Rasa-purnima day on Moonrise, so devotees can take a sankalpa in front of the Deities that we will break our fast on Rasa-purnima day. This message reached every last night - so devotees were peaceful as their doubt got cleared by Guru Maharaja himself directly.

Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu said, 12:30pm the dialysis will get over and he will take 30 mins to wind up, clean and repack the permacath, etc. But today during the dialysis - the IV Fistula came out, when Guru Maharaja coughed so forcefully, luckily Subhanga Govinda Prabhu and Dr. Har Guru Gaura Prabhu were there just holding to it - so they immediately got hold and stopped it. There were some 50ml blood lost in this process. Due this is episode, Guru Maharaja couldn't rest. And around 12:30pm I entered the room to check the updates, Guru Maharaja was totally wiped out - no energy, and he was almost like sleepy. Then Deva Gauranga Prabhu and Radharamana Sevaka Prabhu said, "Talk to Guru Maharaja and cancel today's program to Gita Bhavan. Better to take prasadam here and rest." I know for sure Guru Maharaja won't listen to this proposal or change in plan, Guru Maharaja was keep on saying, "Get me down! Get me down!" Then I went spoke to Guru Maharaja about resting here. He listened to me everything! Then he said, "I want to take darsana of the Deities!" While getting down, I said, "Your mother said once, "My son is very much stubborn in doing things!" When I said, this Guru Maharaja gave me a look! Then there is nothing more to discuss - we said, if we have to take darsana of the Deities, then we have to rush now - as it is already 12:55pm. I told, Vaisnava Priya Prabhu, "Request the Pujaris to hold the darsana for another five mins, until Guru Maharaja come and take darsana." We rushed and Guru Maharaja reached the temple at 1pm, and the darsana was extended for ten mins. He is the mahanta of this temple, and once Jananivasa Prabhu said, "The Deities wait to see him! So if Guru Maharaja comes to take darsana of the Deities means - They will be so happy!" As soon as we entered the temple, Guru Maharaja was very much brisk. The goaf cart was ready, and we just left to Gita Bhavan, since the arrangement in Gita Bhavan was peaceful so this was very good for Guru Maharaja! When he entered the stage, he asked, "Where is Jananivasa Prabhu?"

After Prasadam we returned back, on the way back from the stage to the Golf cart, there were hundreds of devotees on both sides, trying to give their donations, and offering flowers, and some try to touch the wheelchair, like this it was a huge task for the security devotees to manage it. As some suddenly touch his lotus feet, etc. Suddenly the scene changes like we are in mini Bangladesh. It was 3:00 pm we retuned to the Lotus building and he went to rest around 3:15pm. We have to wake him up by 4:45pm to attend the GBC meeting. Actually, Guru Maharaja require at least 2 to 2:30hrs of rest in the afternoon, so that he will be fresh for the evening programs.

12/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

I didn't write 10th and 11th November diary. Today is the first day of Bhisma Pancaka and Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji's disappearance. Morning as Guru Maharaja woke up and the bed physio exercises were going on. Unfortunately, the elevator was not working, and Guru Maharaja said, we have prepone the meetings and whenever he goes to Gita Bhavan at that time he will take darsana of the Deities. So, I just preponed 30 mins. Syama Gaura Hari Prabhu was trying to do something to fix the lift, so that somehow Guru Maharaja could use it.

During his shower, Guru Maharaja did tarpana by chanting the mantras, in the Ganges water for Bhismadeva. In the previous years, Guru Maharaja used to go to Ganges and was doing tarpana along with hundreds of devotees. We miss all those days now. There was a message from Caitanya Avatari Prabhu about a discussion in Bureau, so I played to Guru Maharaja.

Guru Maharaja had fruit salad as his breakfast, and he said, when we take Level 3 fasting - then along with havisya, one can take milk products. But, as today is Srila Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji's disappearance day, so he was taking fruits mixed with yogurt as fruit salad. Then Guru Maharaja asked Radha-ramana Sevaka Prabhu to read emails related to GBCs, Bureau, and other managerial emails, Guru Maharaja specifically said read the emails that are said by Caitanya Avatari Prabhu.

There was a Birnagar meeting with Naru Gopala Prabhu and Vaikunthapati Prabhu, Prema Prasada Prabhu also joined. So, I went and updated Guru Maharaja, he was resting after few correspondence. Guru Maharaja said, he will come to glass room, then I took two mins to update about a girl who got initiation two days back, and she was very much want to convey her personal issues to Guru Maharaja, since she might not get that much time - so she said to me to convey to Guru Maharaja - so I updated Guru Maharaja, and she was waiting outside for blessings. Then my sister and brother-in-law and Madhusri scheduled to go to Coimbatore, so they also wanted a blessings - so informed these two updates. Guru Maharaja came out, and blessed Madhusri, and her parents - then he asked Rasa priya, "My dear spiritual daughter!" and was asking about her going to Coimbatore, what is he doing, in which company, etc. Then he also spoke with the girl, and gave her blessings. We took some ten mins time and then Guru Maharaja entered for the meeting.

Naru Gopala Prabhu started with his request to Guru Maharaja to come one day for this Kartika Parikrama. Tomorrow morning to Rajapur to address the devotees, but due to dialysis day - he didn't give commitment - then Guru Maharaja saw me and asked, "Is it possible?" Then I explained all the different ways this is not possible. Then it was understood that Guru Maharaja cannot take this much programs on a dialysis day.

Birnagar, different lands were shown and one land Guru Maharaja liked and also it is getting matured now. And Naru Gopala Prabhu explained, how Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's maternal grandfather was a big landlord, and even he had elephants, horses, etc. And, he was given a title Mustafani - by the mughal government for his service. And there are temples of Lord Krishna - which are 350 years old, and 450 years old. So, these information were very much new to all of us. Then Vaikunthapati Prabhu and Prema Prasada Prabhu presented their future ideas with Ai photos - these were very much captivating and very attractive - Guru Maharaja liked it.

Then Naru Gopala Prabhu updated Guru Maharaja about the ISKCON's current situation, and how they are handling. So, somehow all these took lot of time - and it was almost 12:35pm. As per the schedule, Guru Maharaja suppose to address, 80 devotees from Baroda, headed by Mantresvara Gauranga Prabhu. So, we this meeting was ending, we cleared the room, and made the devotees sit in front of the glass room, and opened the curtain. Guru Maharaja started to sing, "Nama om!" and spoke few lines about the glories of Navadvipa dhama, and accepted aspiring and shelter and rushed to elevator to reach temple. I told Vaisnava Priya Prabhu to inform the pujaris to keep the darsana open until Guru Maharaja reaches the tempel. It was 12:50pm.

Syama Gaura Hari Prabhu made some arrangement, and Guru Maharaja got into the lift, and he said, now we have to go to ground floor to open the lift, because the problem is it won't open automatically! Wow! That was unexpected - then we all ran down and but the lift got opened for Guru Maharaja, and he went for darsana.

After darsana, in his golf-cart, Guru Maharaja left to Gita-Bhavan. Morning 10am I went to Gita-Bhavan to check what kind of arrangements they have done. As they made a very nice Air conditioned stage for Guru Maharaja. Laksmi Govinda Prabhu and team. It is like a 7 star. I made a video and posted in the servants group, when we showed Guru Maharaja, he said it looks like Dubai.

One mataji, who didn’t participate in the initiation ceremony on 9th. So Svarna Mādhava Prabhu requested that Guru Maharaja could give her beads and the name. So, as soon as Guru Maharaja got up on the stage, we called that mataji and Guru Mahārāja gave her the beads as I was having her name in a small piece of paper, Guru Maharaja asked to show the paper, and I showed him: then he gave the beads and said, “From today your name is Premarupa Kesavi Devi Dasi!”

His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu was there waiting for Guru Maharaja, so immediately he came and Guru Maharaja hugged him. Prabhu put a garland for Guru Maharaja which was very fresh flowers. Then the prasadam began with a Samkalpa. The prasadam seva started.

For all the servants and donors and VIPs, there was a separate setup in a tin shed next to Gita-Bhavan main hall. So we all servants to take prasadam there. Then when we came back, still Guru Maharaja was taking his prasadam. Meanwhile, Marici Prabhu requested His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu to join the upcoming Safari in South India, installing the lotus footprints. So when I went, Milana Radha Mādhava Prabhu asked me to explain to Jananivasa Prabhu, then I explained him, and he was very much excited. Then he asked about Bengal, and I explained him about terrakota design, etc. Then also updated him about the Birnagar project and Guru Maharaja’s vision to make a palace for Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura (A Man behind TOVP).

Guru Maharaja ended his lunch, then Jananivasa Prabhu just went to say his respects. Then Guru Maharaja started, Rādhānātha Swami Maharaja said, you are in next room in senior Brahmacari asrama. And your room got renovated by Dayarama Prabhu’s wife? Prabhu said, “Yes! They also given nice bed for me!” Guru Maharaja said, “I do not get good sleep, some days I sleep good. Like yesterday I was tired, and slept and I missed my class!”

Prabhu said, “Rādhānātha Swami Maharaja had only one room, but I had two rooms. So I was feeling very bad.” Then Guru Maharaja said, “I had a very nice association with him!” “There were 15,000 devotees..” said Prabhu. Guru Maharaja said, “That means more association!”

Guru Maharaja said, “You are a life of Mayapur.” Prabhu made a statement, “That is because I hold your back of your dhoti.” Then Guru Maharaja explained about how they took him to Yatra by ambulance. Guru Maharaja actually narrated the whole content. While leaving Prabhu said, see you tomorrow.

Laksmi Govinda Prabhu asked Guru Maharaja about this new facility, Guru Maharaja stated that, it is cooling! Then we left from Gita Bhavan to lotus building.

When we were coming back, Guru Maharaja was saying that, tomorrow also I would like to come here for Prasadam. I said, how it is possible, tomorrow is a dialysis day. And, while discussing Guru Maharaja asked, how will I go up to the lotus building. Actually, I forgot to call Syama Gaura Hari Prabhu… I said to Guru Maharaja, we will call Syama Gaura Hari Prabhu, at that we were just nearing the Sankirtana Building. His mobile was not reachable. When we reached the lotus building he said, he is at home and will reach in 5 mins.

What to do? We took Guru Maharaja inside the Caitanya exhibit, and Guru Maharaja said, what is the plan now? Then we said, just pressed the lift button, and lift opened, then Guru Maharaja three servants went inside. And pressed number 4. The elevator was going up, we were praying to Lord Narasimhadeva. One devotee said, like this the lift get closed and it won’t open the door. And manually we have to open with a key. Syama Gaura Hari Prabhu reached, and he was on a phone call, then we saw the lift came down, but it didn’t open. Subala Sudama Prabhu called the security and he said, Guru Maharaja went to his room, the lift worked perfectly. It was like miracle, because after dropping Guru Maharaja, the lift went out of order. Just for Guru Maharaja it worked.

Then Guru Maharaja went to bed and rested for two hours, and woke up and joined the co-director meeting. After that, immediately next program evening class. After the class, Guru Maharaja went to chant his Gayatri. He was very tired, so I said, no darsana. But, somehow Bhakti Vijaya Bhagavata Swami Maharaja got some devotees to get blessings.

Then, I said to Maharaja, no it cannot be done. But many devotees were outside, then I checked Guru Maharaja, what to do? Guru Maharaja started to say about the fasting break message, and said, now you type and post it immediately. Then after Gayatri, Guru Maharaja went to bless the devotees for five mins and came back for his dinner.

I went to room and was working on tomorrow’s schedule. It took some time to accommodate all the activities and meetings, it was 9:45pm, I went up to read out one time to Guru Maharaja. Jaya Radha Krishna Prabhu was reading Caitanya-caritamrita. It was Ramananda Raya Samvada. So I waited until he completes one verse. Then I started to speak, Guru Maharaja asked, is there any purport? He said, No! Then I started to read the schedule. Then Guru Maharaja again said, let us complete the conversation. In that how cleverly Raya Ramananda made Lord Caitanya to stay there six to seven days more. Guru Maharaja was in ecstasy hearing Caitanya-caritamrita. 

Then I read the schedule. Guru Maharaja wanted to make sure that we go to Gita Bhavan. Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu was giving medicine via IV. So he also suggested to go for dialysis earlier and then it will be easy to go to Gita Bhavan. Guru Maharaja made some changes. 

In this way the time flies so fast in this lotus building. (END)

9/NOV/2024 Sri Mayapur dhama, India

Today is going to be a hectic day. Morning, I woke up at 5am, then again slept and Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu was calling me and woke me up and said, Prabhu, I don’t want want Guru Maharaja to go to temple for Bhagavatam class, you please make some arrangement to do a broadcast from Glass room. It was 5:30am. I said, “give me some time, let me take bath and come, then we see what to do!” While taking bath, again he came and said, “Guru Maharaja said, it is not possible to arrange for Syama Rasika in this short notice.” Then, finally, we decided that Guru Maharaja can be on top of the platform in front of Panca-tattva and give class. So that, he will have his space and the audience will be far. I went down, and called the securities and had a meeting on how to bring Guru Maharaja, and how to reach the platform, Subala Sudama Prabhu was making all the arrangements, then Mādhava Hari Prabhu came, and we explained the same, they were all went top on the Radha Mādhava platform, and we decided to move Yasoda Damodara in front, so that Guru Maharaja can be all front and take darsana of the Lotus footprints of Gopis and Radharani. But the exit plan was still not clear.

Then, I went and said to Guru Maharaja, this is how we go. Guru Maharaja agreed, only one issue, we cannot keep any Tv display there. As there is not enough space. So, Srivatsa Syamasundara Prabhu managed with a laptop. We got Guru Maharaja to the stage as per the plan. The hall was packed, there was no space, and Guru Maharaja was going on with very good voice, even though, there was a dialysis yesterday.

I forgot to mention about one meeting with a devotee family from Australia. Through Srivatsa Syamasundara Prabhu, they came to meet with Guru Maharaja in the 3rd floor. Last year, when they came for a vacation to India, in Mumbai, their 16 old son passed away due to gas water heater, emission this Carbon Monoxide and the boy went into Coma stage, the parents were in great pain, and the father explained about his passing, he was not able to recognise the parents, but he was only chanting the holy name and left the body. Guru Maharaja said, “He went back to Krishna!” And he said to mother, “you have brought him up, very nicely in Krishna Conscious!” The father said, “We are very much in pain, we are not able to bare his separation!” Guru Maharaja consoled them very much, and they had second son and instructed him, “You have to be more Krishna Conscious and take care of your parents!” And then Guru Maharaja took a photo with the family, and they connected Yogesvara Prabhu from Australia over video call, and connected them. Such situations are really painful even to hear, and the pain for the parents cannot be said by words.

Back to Gopastami day: we requested Guru Maharaja to combine the class for the initiation as well, so one third of the class was for initiation, and rest on Gopastami. The whole idea is not to leave Lotus building, as it is a recovery time - we wanted to skip Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class also. But, Guru Maharaja didn’t agree.

While Bhagavatam class was going on Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu send me a message that, today is Gopastami, so we have to arrange for Guru Maharaja to do one go-puja, so after Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class we take Guru Maharaja to Panca-tattva courtyard and do a puja and come back for darsana. Wow! The temple is packed with 3000+ devotees, and taking Guru Maharaja in normal days itself a difficult task, and now how to do? So again I went and had a meeting with securities. And we decided to take Guru Maharaja through the back door, but still the crowd will be there in the Panca-tattva courtyard. Then we said, bring one cow and its calf just next to the place where Guru Maharaja was give class, then they immediately got the cow and all the puja paraphernalia. Guru Maharaja came and did the puja, by the time, Narasimhadeva altar got opened and Guru Maharaja again got up on the platform and was seeing darsana of Panca-tattva and offering lamps to the Lord. Immediately, when the song reached Ramacandra Sanga mage Narottama dasa. We took Guru Maharaja to Radha Mādhava altar platform. Guru Maharaja was well in advance and was sitting in the centre, and just below, and the curtain got opened… wonderful Gopastami darsana, and Govindam Adi Purusam prayers. I always think that, whenever Guru Maharaja comes for darsana, Gocindam Adi purusam song.

Soon after the darsana Arati, Guru Maharaja wanted to go to the side, and we had a plan that Guru Maharaja will stay back - then when Śrīla Prabhupāda starts his parikrama, then Guru Maharaja could go back. But, our servants decided that first we take Guru Maharaja before Prabhupada. So, there we failed and got stuck in the crowd. But somehow managed to bring Guru Maharaja out. When servants are pushing and trying to make a path, Guru Maharaja was calming down, do not do that! Then finally, reached back to lotus rooftop.

It was 8:30am: breakfast was ready, and when I entered the room, Guru Maharaja asked, what about Zoom visit? I said, we didn’t announce it or any arrangement done. As we thought, let Guru Maharaja take rest, not to have Zoom Darsana and initiation ceremony also there.

Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu explained, Deva Gauranga Prabhu explained, still Guru Maharaja said, “I won’t eat without Zoom Darsana. I want to go to glass room!” We couldn’t say anything, then I said, we will do arrangement, but one condition, you have to do multi-tasking of taking breakfast and do the Zoom Darsana. Because we need to save time. Guru Maharaja agreed, then there was very less participants, and we were even unmuting some devotees, but they don’t know what to speak. So in this way, the breakfast ended as per Guru Maharaja’s desire.

Guru Maharaja suppose to take one hour rest be for the initiation ceremony, so he went to bed, Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu said, we will make a new IV line and give an antibiotic, which will go for an hour. And, as he cannot use permacath - they wanted to make an IV line on left hand, Guru Maharaja was shouting in pain, then in they gave a local anaesthesia and Guru Maharaja also went to sleep, then they made a small IV on his fingure and started to antibiotic. But, Guru Maharaja was too tired, he slept immediately.

Before that, I went down to check diksa organisation and saw that the devotees are all sitting in the Prabhupada Park, and the hot sun started to come, then we changed all of them to Panca-tattva courtyard.  There Bhakti Vijaya Bhagavata Swami was giving class on ten subject matter.

During Gopastami darsana, many servants were around Guru Maharaja, actually they suppose to control the crowd. But, somehow, it was not happening. Two devotees were also there, and after Guru Maharaja got into the lift after his Deity Darsana, I really chastised them. As we are an always with Guru Maharaja, so we just have to give be conscious, but some are always wants to be with Guru Maharaja. I was repeatedly saying that, only three servants should go with Guru Maharaja. But, none follows. Later I asked forgiveness to those two.

Guru Maharaja was resting, and antibiotic was going on, then Mani Gopal Prabhu said, we need to finalize the venue for second initiation, then Mādhava Kānta Prabhu said, better to have have it in Panca-tattva extension hall. Then I went up again, Guru Maharaja didn’t sleep, so, I asked him - can we arrange it in Lotus Conference hall? What is the square feet? Guru Maharaja gave a suggestion to remove all the chairs and sofa to put it out. So that we could accommodate 85 candidates. And I went down again, and conveyed the same with Mani Gopala Prabhu, and we immediately called volunteers and started to vacate the chairs and tables. Then I called Jagatguru Jayadeva Prabhu, and Asraya Govinda Prabhu to inform them. Now  so much space now, there now.

Continuing the 9th Nov Diary: Guru Maharaja wanted to take rest after the Zoom darsana and his breakfast. It was almost 10am. Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu said, now he will give antibiotic and it will take one hour. The IV line was connected to his index finger in his left hand. Guru Maharaja got ready for initiation around 11:15am. Then I went and informed Bhakti Vijaya Bhagavata Swami Maharaja, and he was talking on 10 Nama aparadhas - Maharaja quickly winded up his class, and then Guru Maharaja gave "Maha-mantra" via phone, and Devesvara Jagannatha Prabhu connected his phone to the sound system, and everyone heard and repeated. Srila Prabhupads initiated even through letter. So nowadays more Zoom initiations are also happening... 

Devotees lined up from the ground floor to the lotus rooftop. Almost 600 candidates. Many volunteers were organized on each floor to guide the candidates. So, it was easy in one sense. Guru Maharaja was in his glass room giving out beads. It took 1 hour 20mins to complete the initiation. Then, immediately, Guru Maharaja went down to the lotus building conference hall and gave Gayatri initiation to 85 candidates. Around 1:20pm he returned to his residence to honor his lunch prasadam. Then he went to take rest.

It all happened very smoothly, after his afternoon nap, Guru Maharaja joined the co-directors meeting - Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu was repeating and also this was a confidential meeting, so no servants were allowed, around 6pm Tarun Gaura Prabhu called me and said, we were knowing the door, Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu was not opening - we have to feed 6pm pre-dinner." Then I messaged Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu, we need to feed pre-dinner! Then he opened - Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu said, "Maharaja! Please continue with your snacks." Tarun Gaura Prabhu started to feed to Guru Maharaja. As Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu was repeating - so feeding and repeating will be difficult. We follow the timing - as after giving pre-dinner, we have to wait for 45 mins or 1 hour to give a medicine, then after giving the medicine it will take one hour to take his dinner - so during that time only, Guru Maharaja gives his class, chants Gayatri and meet with devotees. If the pre-dinner gets late, then all schedule will be late. Then the day ended with class and darsana and dinner. [END]

8/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

This morning, I went to Guru Maharaja’s room and had a discussion about the initiation ceremony tomorrow. I said, can we cancel the Saturday morning Bhagavatam class, as it will be too much hectic to have Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class and then initiation, brahmana diksa. There is going to be 600 Harinama diksa and 75 brahmana diksa. Guru Maharaja didn’t agree about cancelling or postponing his class. I said, your voice is very much down, and today is also dialysis. Guru Maharaja said, that is different, I will drink ginger tea. Then, we again discussed about the venue. We didn’t agree to have diksa ceremony in Gita Bhavan, as there is no ventilation. And taking Guru Maharaja there and especially during this recovery period should not cause any other infection. Then Namahatta hall was the next option we discussed, and then finally we decided that the diksa will happen in lotus building, candidates will collect beads from Guru Maharaja in lotus building, and Guru Maharaja will address in his morning class about the significance of diksa, few words. And around 10:45am we will start diksa, devotees will come in queue and take the beads and get down and go to Gita Bhavan for their yajna. And after that Guru Maharaja will go to TOVP Pujari floor to give brahmana diksa. And Syama Gaura Hari Prabhu was assisting in the exercise by holding Guru Maharaja’s legs, and I said, after the Harinama diksa ceremony, we will have a maha-cleaning. Guru Maharaja said, “Mr. Cleaner is here!” Pointing Syama Gaura Hari Prabhu, and then said, “cleaning is sattva-guna.” Then, he asked, what is the celebration for Gopastami? I said, in Gosala they will have program, and morning darsana of all the sakhis and Srimati Radharani’s lotus footprints. Guru Maharaja said, “I know that we have celebrations in Mayapur, I asked, what is the celebration in Candra mandala? Are they celebrating Gopastami?” I was speechless for sometime, and everyone was laughing around. Then I said, “May be, Candra mandala vasis come to Mayapur to celebrate.” 

Guru Maharaja was very much concern about his cataract surgery, and he is asking Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu to confirm for this Sunday 10th. Because of this infection, they said better to postpone. But, he wants to do it by 10th, otherwise 24th only it is possible - due to doctor’s availability. So, the doctors will discuss and finalize. 

There was discussion about going to Gita Bhavan for Bhisma Pancaka. So I asked him, do you want to go everyday to Gita Bhavan to have Prasadam with devotees? He said, then what is the use? I want to follow Bhisma pancaka along with devotees.

And there was a discussion also about finalizing diksa dates for Namahatta.

Then, I left from Guru Maharaja room.

When I came back, after Guru Maharaja’s breakfast. Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu was upset about the tomorrow’s schedule. As Guru Maharaja have to give class, then initiation and Brahmana diksa. Then, I said, you can talk to Guru Maharaja, if you convince him - we are happy. Most of the time, he convince Guru Maharaja. Then, he went to talk with Guru Maharaja, after five mins he came back and said, “I went like a Tiger and came back like a cat!” Guru Maharaja didn’t agree to anything. Then Guru Maharaja was getting ready to go for darsana. Guru Maharaja was suddenly in ecstasy, he said to Radharamana Sevaka Prabhu, “You should preach unlimitedly!” And he saw me, “You also should reach Krishna Consciousness to people unlimitedly, it has no limit. Because, the instruction is to preach unlimitedly!” Rādhā-ramaṇa Sevaka Prabhu said, “You are mentioning this in your monthly message! Every disciple should preach unlimitedly!” “I need unlimited help. To do unlimited preaching!” Said Guru Maharaja.

Then we went to temple with Guru Maharaja for darsana. Last night during darsana His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu was there all the way and they were hugging each other, and he gave a Narasimhadeva Catari, Garlands, did Arati together. He was so happy to be with Guru Maharaja.

Today after the darsana of the Deities Guru Maharaja got an invitation from Gosala, Dama Gopa Prabhu for Gopastami, as Guru Maharaja was sick they were not able to meet him personally. Then they showed their baby who born two months back, but still now the baby didn’t cry. When the baby born kept in NICU for 15 days. Then, when Guru Maharaja was in Ranaghat for cataract operation, that time the baby reacted and came out. And His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu gave the name “Guru Kṛpā”. So today is the first darsana and blessings for baby. Then few devotees also got blessings. Then Guru Maharaja came up to the 3rd floor. And weighed his weight before dialysis. Today Dr. Dhanya Visnupriya Mataji was there from Hyderabad. And Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu started immediately the process. So after lunch the dialysis also got over and Guru Maharaja went to rest around 4pm.

We thought we won’t wake him up for the SMOVP meeting at 5:30pm. Let him rest. It is always amazing, whatever tired… he just opened his eyes at 5:25pm and asked what time is it? Then immediately said, let me go for the meeting. I want to get down.

And then Guru Maharaja attended the meeting until 7:30pm. This SMOVP meeting was mainly they are finalizing narratives and themes. And Guru Maharaja putting lot of questions and giving suggestions or comments. All these meetings are recorded, I hope that in future someone will go through it and extract the wisdom of Guru Maharaja and his vision for TOVP and exhibits.

Then, Guru Maharaja said, which ending the meeting: set up my class, and as the meeting was ending we were moving chairs, etc. Then, Guru Maharaja just took a 2 to 3 mins break. And during that break, he was telling Siddha Hari Prabhu about, “Spreading Krishna Consciousness Unlimitedly!” And Siddha Hari Prabhu said, we can make many newsletters using Ai - unlimited contents, and we can name it as “Spread Unlimitedly” Guru Maharaja said, yea! Unlimited newsletters!

Then the class began. He said, he will talk a short class, but ended up as normal hours.

Soon after the class, Hari-lila Prabhu said, there is a donor who would like to take blessings from Guru Maharaja. Guru Maharaja agreed. Before meeting him, Guru Maharaja completed his Gayatri. Then, we said, you can take your dinner and then meet him. But, Guru Maharaja said, “No! I would like to meet him first.”

His name is Ghanasyam and he met Guru Maharaja in Mathuradesh before in early 2000, and he stays in Canada now. In 2006 when Guru Maharaja went to Nigeria, he was with Guru Maharaja. He got shelter from Guru Maharaja, he also supports Kavi Candra Swami Maharaja in his projects and preaching activities in Nigeria. He said to Guru Maharaja, “I am chanting 16 rounds, but my wife is not convinced about onion and garlic. She met you in Mathuradesh before.” Then Guru Maharaja said, “Give me her email ID I will write to her!” He is the main donor, who donated more than 12 crores. But extremely humble devotee. And he showed a photo that was taken in 2006 in Nigeria with Guru Maharaja. And Guru Maharaja remembered the house where they were staying, and said, even though that house had extra safety like compound wall etc, still the thieves jumped in and robbed the house. Ghanasyama Prabhu remembered, “At that time, you were wearing a Rolex watch, and I told you, please take it out and safeguard it, so many thieves are here. And immediately Guru Maharaja removed and put it in his pocket.” Like this the conversation went for 10 mins, then Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu offered Guru Maharaja’s Narasimha Pavitra to him, and he became very happy, as he was just thinking to get one Narasimhadeva’s Pavitra prasada. And he gave donation for TOVPE and Guru-daksina to Guru Maharaja. Very pious soul, who surrendered to Guru Maharaja in assisting in Srila Prabhupada’s movement.

After his dinner, Guru Maharaja was prepared to go to bed. We were trying to give him early rest as tomorrow is going to be his Bhagavatam class at 7am. Meanwhile, we had a discussion about arranging Brahmana diksa in TOVP Pujari floor, but, Guru Maharaja said, why not in Lotus Building conference hall, the organisers where saying that, 85 candidates may not fit in. Guru Maharaja said, why not take out the chairs and sofas? It will accommodate, but somehow the organisers were not convinced. And Bhadra Balarama Prabhu asked about the Shelter for 100 devotees from Gita Course, which I said, we cannot do, as time won’t permit. And Guru Maharaja also said no. So, that topic came to end.

Isvara Visvambhara Prabhu, offered a pot painted as Gopastami theme. Guru Maharaja asked what is it for? May be we can use it as flower pot. 

Jaya Radha Krishna Prabhu started to read the Bhagavatam verse for tomorrow’s class, and some portions related to that verse. (END)

7/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

Around 7am I went to rooftop to check with Guru Maharaja. He was sitting, and I paid my obeisances, and Guru Maharaja asked before me asking him, “Syama Rasika! How are you!” I said, “I am fine! How are you Guru Maharaja? Did you sleep good last night.” He said, “Not bad!”. I asked him, you should have taken some more rest. Guru Maharaja said, “At 5:12am Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu put an antibiotic, and my sleep got disturbed.” I said, “Sometimes these ICU doctors wake up the sleeping patients and give them the sleeping pill to sleep.” Guru Maharaja was laughing. And then, again we made him lay-down on the bed, and Mukunda Govardhana Prabhu and Yogendra Gauranga Prabhu came to do some bed-physio exercises. I said to Guru Maharaja, “Better to have at least one or two hours of rest, then you will be fresh.” I asked the other devotees to come later for the exercise. Guru Maharaja agreed and Subhanga Govinda Prabhu, prepared to put bi-pap. Then I said to Guru Maharaja, “We didn’t make any schedule for today, 11:30am Master Plan meeting, and 5pm SMOVP meetings all are only depends on your health. Please give time to recover. And His Holiness Rādhānātha Swami Maharaja might come to meet with you, as he will be leaving tomorrow.” Guru Maharaja said, “Anytime Mahārāja can come.” And Guru Maharaja started to rest.

Maha Varaha Prabhu called and said, Maharaja would like to meet with Guru Maharaja, I said, just now we were discussing about it. Then I asked Syama Gaura Hari Prabhu to get some gifts to give to Maharaja on behalf of Guru Maharaja, like woollen kamucha, tilaka, brahmana thread, Pavitra mala. And I called Gopati Krishna Prabhu to get some maha from the Deities. And he went to Madhava Hari Prabhu and got a cadar of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, as now it is going to be winter, Maharaja may use it. So we are prepared.

Guru Maharaja woke up in an hour time, started his exercises, and took shower. While having his shower, we had a discussion about the upcoming initiation ceremony, etc. I tried to inform Guru Maharaja in advance, ans take his direction, how he wants to proceed with, then we try to organise it. Then Deva Gauranga Prabhu said, if you be here, Guru Maharaja will ask many more things, and his shower will be delayed. And then, I left to prepare things for Maharaja’s visit.

Maha Varaha Prabhu called and said, today the Master Plan Meeting got cancelled. So we decided to have it at 11:30am, Maharaja’s visit. Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu also confirmed the same with Maharaja’s secretary. Guru Maharaja had his breakfast and we planned to go for Deity Darsana. But, Guru Maharaja ended his breakfast around 10:30am. Then Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu put on three antibiotic 300ml. And said it will take 1:30 hrs. Then Guru Maharaja cannot go for darsana now, and also, Guru Maharaja cannot go to meeting room, and Maharaja have to come and meet while Guru Maharaja on his bed. Then we prepared for the same. We put a chair on the right side of Guru Maharaja’s bed. He was trying to talk with Radharamana Sevaka Prabhu regarding the emails, but there was only air coming out as a voice. There was no sound. Then Radharamana Sevaka Prabhu said, you have to preserve your energy to talk with Rādhānātha Swami Maharaja.  Better to take a nap now.

I was in the third floor, I asked Vaisnava Priya Prabhu to get two Jui Garlands, which are thin and lot of fragrance. As whenever we give a Garland, Maharaja just takes it off. It was 11:29am, I just rushed to the 3rd floor lift and pressed the button, and when the door opened, Maharaja was there inside. Then I joined Maharaja and went into Guru Maharaja room, Maharaja came alone, no servants or no secretary. He came with a Pavitra mala, and offered it to Guru Maharaja. And paid his sastanga pranama. We didn’t take any photos, as Guru Maharaja was on his bed with antibiotics, and Maharaja with his mask. And more over he is not comfortable doing all these. So, when Maharaja was going around to sit on the chair, I just clipped the recorded in Guru Maharaja’s kurta. So at least, we will get the voice of Guru Maharaja, as his voice was low.

This meeting went for almost 1:15mins. Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu was mainly repeating and talking. Before Maharaja entered the room, we prepared everything to give a gift. And, Guru Maharaja wanted to see the gifts, and I showed him one by one. Then, Guru Maharaja said, he would like to give such gifts to all the sannyasis who are here, like Candramouli Maharaja, Jaya Advaita Maharaja, Bhakti Prema Swami Maharaja, and senior Prabhupada disciples such as Malati Mataji, etc. So we prepared those.

While the meeting was going on Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu pulled me in and started to talk about Lord Caitanya’s lotus footprints and Gaura Mandala Bhumi projects, Bir Nagar, etc. Maharaja was very much impressed and gave his merciful glance. And there was a discussion about Devagrama Visvanatha Cakravarti’s salagrama sila. All these are recorded and the transcript is available in our archives website. (www.jayapatakaswamiarchives.net).

After the conversation got over, Maharaja embraced Deva Gauranga Prabhu, Me and Gopati Krishna Prabhu, who went along with Maharaja until the senior Brahmacari asrama.

It was already 12:45pm. And Guru Maharaja was exhausted, and he said, he cannot rush to temple for darsana. There were many devotees waited in the temple hall for Guru Maharaja’s darsana. But, what to do. Then he had his pre-lunch at 1pm. And then taken his lunch at 2pm. And we gave him rest at 3:45pm.

Last night, I couldn’t complete my diary. In few lines to conclude: evening Guru Maharaja attended the SMOVP meeting, it went or almost 2 hrs. Then we ended the meeting, and Guru Maharaja started to give Zoom Darsana, and a short address, updating devotees about his health and his meeting with Rādhānātha Swami Maharaja. Then quickly went to temple for darsana, then came to take his dinner. After dinner, he was watching some world news updates. 

And night shift devotees prepared Guru Maharaja for his rest. They applied powder all over his body. And, I said, “You are now looking like Lord Siva!” And, then Guru Maharaja went to bed, Jaya Radha Krishna Prabhu started to read Caitanya-caritamrita. (END)

6/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

Guru Maharaja woke up around 5am and used his commode, took his medicines and went back to sleep. As he couldn’t sleep last whole night due to itching all over his body, he even scratched his left knee while sleeping and started to bleed. Then Guru Maharaja woke up after 2 hours, did exercises, but he was asking servants to scratch as he was having his itching all over the body. It was too much of inconvenience. Then Guru Maharaja came up to rooftop to take shower and chanted his Gayatri. Then was sitting to take his breakfast. First he offered it to Visvaksena, we usually keep a separate plate with all the prasadam samples in one silver plate in front of Guru Maharaja, and he will offer it. Then after that he takes his prasadam. Before that, I asked Guru Maharaja, "How are you feeling now?" He said, "I am feeling too much itch! Everywhere in my body it is itching, and he showed that many places are reddish, and we were sctraching his back!

Then there was a discussion why he got this itching suddenly, I discussed this morning with Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu, and he said, the blood urea may be high, as last time, then did dialysis through AV Fistula, they couldn't get the same result as they did with permacath! So in blood urea level might have increased, so today before dialysis blood samples will be taken for the test to check the urea level. And today the dialysis will happen through permacath. Then Subhanga Govinda Prabhu said, may be it is the side effect of the antibiotic. As in Delhi also Guru Maharaja had an itch due to this antibiotic.

But this Antibiotic got him out of the fever, now they sent blood samples for culture to know about the antibiotic effect and change the antibiotic. As Guru Maharaja's skin is very tender, and getting dry, we were applying ghee. Then while bath also we are putting neem leaves in water and then give bath with that medicinal water.

Anyhow, again the subject of the 11 years 5 months old boy's audio message came to convince Guru Maharaja, about his initiation, then Guru Maharaja listened to it carefully, and said - Srila Prabhupada asked us to give initiation from 12 years onwards..." Then I said, "So better we say no to initiation now, and say after 7 months!" But Guru Maharaja was not agreeing to that, rather he was saying, "Ask him to convince me!" Then we decided better not to discuss this further as they are leaving this evening.

Today, breakfast was Gujarati preparation called Kandva..

Guru Maharaja asked Prasanna Gauranga Prabhu, what is this preparation, he said, it is Gujarati Khandva, and he had little bit, then there were so many tablets to eat. Guru Maharaja remembered that in 1977 when Srila Prabhupada was in Juhu, he was in the night shift, and Srila Prabhupada asked Guru Maharaja to scratch his back, and he was doing - then Srila Prabhupada said loudly, "Use your finger nails!" And Guru Maharaja said, I was not having much finger nails.

Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu said, Guru Maharaja should not go anywhere out, as he is having bacterial infection, so it was decided that we don't take Guru Maharaja anywhere. I conveyed the same to Guru Maharaja. But, he asked for the reason - then I asked Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu to come and say it directly to Guru Maharaja. He came and said, "Guru Maharaja, if you would like to go to temple for darsana, then we should not have any crowd around you!" Then, I asked, "So, if no crowd Guru Maharaja could visit temple for darsana, and only three servants will accompany Guru Maharaja! Is that okay?" He said, "Then it is fine!" I asked Guru Maharaja, "Will you give permission to control the crowd for your peaceful darsana?" Guru Maharaja nodded, "Yes!" I called the security and said, no one should be there from the Caitanya Exhibit and in any of the pathways, no brahmacaris, no one should be there." And also called Subala Sudama Prabhu and explained him - its importance. Actually, the securities were very happy, they immediately tied ropes, and cleared the crowd everywhere, and also said to everyone with folded hands, Guru Maharaja is sick, "Do not throw flowers, or breach the barricade and come for blessings." And also, we said to the servants, only three servants will go and it should be very peaceful darsana. I was there personally to make sure.

Then Guru Maharaja came out from his room, there was disciple, Prema Vinodini Mataji, who is an Ayurvedic Doctor. She mentioned to Prasanna Gauranga Prabhu that, "This mataji suggesting that, if we reduce the diary products in your diet, then this itching will reduce!" Then Guru Maharaja raised his voice and said, "I am having dialysis trice a week, Ayurveda doesn't have any remedy! So, now I have to follow allopathy only! Why I have to reduce the diary products." Seeing Guru Maharaja getting upset, Prasanna Gauranga Prabhu said, "No! Guru Maharaja, we will ask her to discuss with your doctors, and we are not going to reduce any thing in your diet!"

Guru Maharaja accepted one Mataji as her shelter disciple, and got down to the temple floor. Fortunately, Guru Maharaja had a peaceful darsana as expected. No pushing and there was no 10 devotees doing arati with Guru Maharaja. And everyone in the temple were able to take Guru Maharaja's darsana peacefully. In temple, one devotees Gopesvari Shetty from Chowpatty teared a paper from her diary and wrote few lines glorifying Guru Maharaja and gave, then there was one 8 year old boy and his mother, came and gave a card that boy made for Guru Maharaja and gave, then one disciple from Pune: Hemangi Gopi Devi Dasi gave a letter and clicker with a siddha bakul wood pasted, on it. We read all the small letters to Guru Maharaja. And Guru Maharaja came to the 3rd floor and we weighed him - as a protocol before dialysis and after dialysis we should check his weight.

As soon as Guru Maharaja entered the room, he replied to these letters that these devotees sent, I read one by one  and he gave a one line answer and blessings. And we sent to them via Whatsapp. How will it be for them? Each one was in great happiness, before leaving from Mayapur, they took the effort to write something and reach to him that shows their gratitude and appreciation to him, and he responded back, which was like amazing! Then we shifted him to bed to start the dialysis. Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu and team started to connect the dialysis machine and also gave a tablet to reduce the itching.

Around 12:15pm, I was in our room, and Subhanga Govinda Prabhu called me, Guru Maharaja calling you. When I went, Raja Babu Prabhu was holding Guru Maharaja's right hand connected to dialysis machine, and Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu putting antibiotic on his left hand canola. So, it was like very hard to see Guru Maharaja in that position, he was very weak, and I thought he is sleeping not to disturb, then Guru Maharaja called me and asked about the boy, I said, "I have already informed their parents that he can take initiation after seven months! They also agreed." Then Guru Maharaja said, "I didn't say no! I asked him to convince me! I got 50% convinced, he should convince me 100%." So, I called them back again and said, just wait there is a 50% chances are still there!"

Meanwhile, Syamalala Prabhu made his visit to Guru Maharaja, he is a Doctor from the Bhaktivedanta Hospital, and he just came yesterday and wanted to meet with Guru Maharaja, he served Guru Maharaja very nicely in many instances, when Guru Maharaja was in the Bhaktivedanta Hospital. So, he came and met with Guru Maharaja, and talked for sometime, he was pricing the servant team, Maha Varaha Prabhu, Bhadra Balarama Prabhu and everyone, as they are providing high class care for last 16 years, and the Bhaktivedanta Hospital also learning the serving attitude from this team, and he also requested Guru Maharaja to take rest, and not to come to pandal and exhaust your energy, you need rest. I will update  Maharaja about your health." like this he was talking - and his talk actually convinced/ or consider Guru Maharaja to take rest.

Then again, Guru Maharaja called me back, and he was very tired and he said, I have three questions, ask that boy, if he convince me, I will accept him. It was barely audible. Still Guru Maharaja pushed himself to talk. Then I immediately recorded his voice, 1. Why do I have to compromise Srila Prabhupada's words and initiate you before you turn 12 years. What reason that is there to overrule? 2. What is the guarantee that you will follow four regs, as young kids cannot understand much, as they cannot understand the seriousness of the vows. third question also similar to first question. Guru Maharaja said, Mani Gopala Dasa took initiation when he was 10 years old, may be in Bangladesh, and Namahatta, they don't follow these rules strictly so they must have recommended. So like there was some conversations we had. Then I said to Guru Maharaja, it is already 1 pm or so, and they are scheduled to leave by 5pm from Mayapur to catch their flight. Then I went immediately to listen to the audio and transcribe, then I gave to Jaya Rasesvari Mataji to do, she took lot of efforts to transcribe, but in so many places she also couldn't catch the words. Then I summarized and sent the parents. Then they said, Acyuta Gaura will answer and send it soon. After some 30 mins, I received four short audio answers to Guru Maharaja. Then I went to play to Guru Maharaja, even though Guru Maharaja was taking his lunch, still he said, he will listen. I said, "As you are eating, you should not speak, I will play the audio, if you are convinced, then just show your thumbs up, I will talk and bring the boy before you to your rest." Guru Maharaja said, "Okay!" Then, I played the audio, as the boy was speaking fast, so I was repeating the boy's audio. The boy gave a very wonderful answers, "I need your mercy, you are the deliverer. I am a conditioned soul, after six months what will happened to me, who knows, I don't want to waste this moment to grab your mercy, This material world is full of miseries, so I want you to deliver me by accepting me as your disciples. By your mercy, I can follow the four regs, as my family members are Vaisnavas, I am very confident that it should be easy for me to follow the 4 regs. My parents are not forcing me, actually they are asking me to take initiation after I turn 12 years. But, why I have to miss your mercy until then." So, after hearing these audio messages, Guru Maharaja gave a THUMBS UP!

So, I just went immediately and called the parents and said, "You have 10 mins time to reach to the lotus building to take initiation!" They were in super joy, and uncontrollable happiness. And I got the beads and kanthi mala for the boy, and Guru Maharaja was ready, he completed his lunch. Tarun Gaura Prabhu said, "I am going to fix bi-pap machine for Guru Maharaja to take rest!" I said, wait for two mins after this initiation do it. The whole family came running. I said, "We allow only this boy!" Ramanipati Prabhu also came, but I said, "Only this boy is allowed." and we entered, but Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu was changing the dialysis tubes, and disconnecting AV fistula, then he asked us to wait ten mins. Guru Maharaja asked Srivatsa Syamasundara Prabhu to take the vows. Then the boy came next to Guru Maharaja, and Guru Maharaja asked to repeat the vows, he said everything, minimum 16 rounds a day. Then Guru Maharaja said, "See I am suffering like this, because of the disciples, who don't follow their vows." Then he gave the name, "Acyutananda Gaura Bhakta Dasa!" And Guru Maharaja said, "He is very much young, his parents should take the responsibility and make sure that he is following!" This boy when he made all the promises, he said, "I will follow until my last breath!" Some special Vaikuntha kid. The whole dialysis room was in astonishment and silence for a while, and Hari Guru Prabhu said, it is really amazing thing happening - in right hand dialysis is going on, and Guru Maharaja, with his left hand was giving beads, but before giving the beads he painstakingly touched with his right hand and gave the beads. Actually, we should not take photos in dialysis room, but I asked Srivatsa Syamasundara Prabhu to take a photo in my mobile to keep it for the record. And the boy was very happy, and he was told to beg from five people minimum. And he did - and gave back and submitted the guru-daksina!

Then Guru Maharaja took his afternoon nap, we thought that he will sleep at least for 3 hours, but with an hour, he was awake. And they called me, as soon as I entered, Srivatsa Syamasundara Prabhu said, Guru Maharaja woke up shouting that I will go to pandal, it was 6:30pm. And I started my statement by saying, Guru Maharaja today we don't go anywhere, we want you to rest. He was like not looking at me and acting as if he was not listening to me at all. I was trying to explain him, then I said, "I didn't say these things, Doctors are saying - and we would like to follow whatever you say! We are just saying what is good as per the doctors, you know what is best, and whatever you say that will be our action! Please tell us in advance, so that we can prepare!" Guru Maharaja said, I will go and take shower now. Meanwhile, already Maha Varaha Prabhu made one draft and sent to me. This draft we will read out to Guru Maharaja and then send it to Vraja Vilasa Prabhu to read out. Guru Maharaja added many points, he asked me to write the glories of the Navadvipa and Mayapur, so I was typing and also was reading out loud, and Guru Maharaja was making corrections, some sentences he said, and I said, so like this we completed the letter, then I read the whole letter to him, and he approved. Actually, it was easy, I just typed all the sentences that are we heard from his lectures about Mayapur. Then we send it to Vraja Vilasa Prabhu and called him and informed him to go immediately! Then Guru Maharaja said, I will take my pre-dinner and rest. Then he went to bed. Siddha Hari Prabhu was reading some emails to Guru Maharaja.

There was a phone call from Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaja and from the JPS Office that, one mataji suppose to get initiation, along with the boy, as she is leaving to Atlanta tomorrow. Then I said, "Guru Maharaja is resting!" Then when Guru Maharaja woke up, I mentioned to him about this. Then Guru Maharaja said, "Okay! I will give." There were around 10 devotees suddenly came to rooftop, saying some servants name to take darsana of Guru Maharaja. I got very much upset and said, it is not possible as Guru Maharaja is just recovering. And we moved the curtain, and they all took darsana through the window and left. Then I decided to look all the doors in 3rd floor, 1st floor - so that no devotees will come up. Some servants were not happy, but when devotees comes up - Guru Maharaja wants to give darsana and extend his mercy. But, now we want to be merciful on him - and allow him to take rest. And let him have his own time watching some news, updates.

Guru Maharaja had his dinner, and he said, today they gave me bread and cucumber on top, I didn't like it. I said, I will inform Prasanna Gauranga Prabhu. Then, Guru Maharaja asked, what is the name selected for this mataji, we said the name that was selected by the office, Guru Maharaja said, "Why are they selecting very lengthy name?" For that boy also, the name was lengthy - it is four words names, I want two words or three words. Then he jovially said, "Govindam adi purusam tam aham bhajami dasa". Next they will select like this. Then this mataji's name also selected like this. I asked the security to allow the mataji and family to come up to take initiation. Then we asked Guru Maharaja shall we take you in front to the doorstep where Lord Narasimhadeva photo is there, and there you can give the mala. Guru Maharaja said, "Ask her to come here to my room." He asked us to open the big Panca-tattva photo in his room, then Guru Maharaja called her, meanwhile Bhadra Balarama Prabhu gave a suggestion and shorten the name, and also checked in the Namavali, and asked Guru Maharaja, and he said, this name is better. Then Guru Maharaja asked her to say the vows, and she said, "Minimum of 17 rounds a day!" Then Guru Maharaja corrected her by saying, "Minimum 16 rounds a day, then you can do. But Prabhupada said, minimum 16 rounds!" And gave her a name, "Sri Syama-priya Devi Dasi"

After she left, somehow, along with her one youth boy names Abhaya Abhimanyu dasa also came up to rooftop, and he was pleading to meet with Guru Maharaja and give one gift to Guru Maharaja. He said, I am a disciple of His Holiness Gopala Krishna Goswami Maharaja, I want a siksa-guru. I just need his blessings, tomorrow early morning I am leaving Mayapur." Initially I didn't agree. Then I thought, please wait and take darsana from outside, he wrote a note in that gift to read out. By that time, Guru Maharaja started his Gayatri, then we waited for him to complete the Gayatri. After that Guru Maharaja asked, "Is anyone there waiting outside for me?" I said, "Yes!" I asked him to stand near the doorway and Guru Maharaja saw him and as I was reading his letter, "Abhaya Abhimanyu!" Guru Maharaja exclaimed - and this boy fell like a stick and paid his obeisances, and Guru Maharaja took his Jagannatha stick and blessed him. Then, he gave an unique gift, "150th Vyasa-puja Coin of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura released by the Indian Government!" And Guru Maharaja was very much amazed to see that coin - and was seeing it for long time! And Guru Maharaja asked him, "Āp Hindi bol saktā hain?" He said, I can speak both Hindi and English. And in this way, even though we tried to stop devotees, and stop Guru Maharaja and put him in rest, he attracts devotees somehow! This is his speciality - he is regaining his energy, and was not going to bed, and finally we all lifted him from his wheel chair and put him on the bed to sleep. Jaya Radha Krishna Prabhu started to read Sri Caitanya-caritamrta. And I return back to my room and continuing to type my diary. 

I thought it will be easy to type diary, but it is consuming lot of time to write things in detail. Everything that is happening around Guru Maharaja is all very special. And by the mercy of the Lord - feeling fortunate to be in the service of the transcendental avadhuta, who is beyond our perception. [END] (Personal Diary - Syama Rasika Dasa)

    

5/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

 5th Nov 2024, 9am: Guru Maharaja still resting, 60% of IV antibiotic is gone. And now Guru Maharaja’s fever is reducing, he is sweating a lot. It seems a good improvement. But, still Guru Maharaja is sleeping. Meanwhile, the ICU room is getting ready with fumigation, and cleaning - Gambhira Madhava Prabhu and Raja Babu Prabhu doing swap tests, and Dialysis machine tests, and we will send these to Kolkata to test it. Guru Maharaja’s blood reports are good, no dengue…

9:30am: Guru Maharaja woke up, and Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu disconnected the antibiotic, and cleaning his eyes. There is a mild fever, and tiredness. We did a patting on his back to relieve his back muscles, as he was lying for almost 18 hours. And we asked Guru Maharaja, whether he could stand up, Guru Maharaja said, I will try. Then he stood up with support, and we took him to bathroom. And I updated Guru Maharaja about the astrological predictions, and requested him not to go to any program, or pandal. Please give time to recover or it should not lead to any deterioration, Guru Maharaja didn’t say thing. Just listened to everything.

10am: After taking shower, Gayatri chanting. This is one of the interesting thing, Guru Maharaja always chants his Gayatri before his breakfast, lunch. Mostly before dinner - Guru Maharaja couldn’t chant his Gayatri as evening meetings, classes are all packed up, so he does before going to bed, or before dinner. Today even though, his body is very weak, still he completed his Gayatri. And Guru Maharaja said, he will take a fruit salad as his breakfast. And I explained to  Guru Maharaja about the astrological predictions, it says better to be in the 3rd floor hospital ICU facility to avoid going Kolkata or any hospitalisation. Then Guru Maharaja agreed, and also agreed that he will take rest.

Before entering the lift, there were two couples from Mathuradesh was helping in making preparations for Srila Prabhupada Tirobhava utsava. Total 31 items were made and Guru Maharaja touched the bhogas. This is from the Guru Maharaja kitchen. Then blessed everyone was there with Jagannatha stick. Then, we came down: Guru Maharaja had his fruit salad one small bowl. And then, the radiologists came to check so we put Guru Maharaja on the bed, so that Guru Maharaja could rest and they could do a canola in this left hand.

We asked Radharamana Sevaka Prabhu to not to do correspondence today. We simply want Guru Maharaja rest. Let him completely recover. Even Guru Maharaja agreed to take rest, and not to go for pandal. And we sent samples with Harinama Kripa Prabhu Kolkata for the lab tests.

As Maha Varaha Prabhu leaving today to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Gaya along with his parents, who are coming from Malaysia. So, he was explaining all the different things that are here to handle, like cash, meetings, etc.  And he also went and informed Guru Maharaja about his temporary absence, and Guru Maharaja asked, who will be here? Then he said, Syama Rasika is here. Then Guru Maharaja said, “Alright!” 

Maha Varaha Prabhu wanted to cancel, but almost 7 members of his family taken holiday and planned this Yatra few months back, as his parents are 80+, he couldn’t avoid, and also he was telling, if Guru Maharaja’s fever is not coming down, then I won’t go. Then, morning Guru Maharaja’s fever got subsided.

Guru Maharaja was resting and watching Śrīla Prabhupāda’s disappearance day festival in big screen, and after the abhiseka they closed the curtains. I asked Guru Maharaja, “Can we do puspanjali now, so that Guru Maharaja can take his lunch prasadam and break his fast.” From yesterday afternoon, Guru Maharaja didn’t eat anything, just thing Mormon he had a cup of fruit salad. Then he said okay, and I went to Bhoga-Bhandar and got the rose flowers for offering. 

Vaisnava Priya Prabhu made the video still on Srila Prabhupada, and Guru Maharaja offered three times roses by chanting Śrīla Prabhupāda Pranama mantra. Each time when he offered, Vaisnava Priya Prabhu took from Guru Maharaja’s hand and offered at the lotus feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda, and second time when Guru Maharaja was giving the rose, he said, this rose should not touch the previously offered rose. And in this way three times Guru Maharaja offered. And remaining roses Guru Maharaja gave to us, to make an offering.

After, puspanjanli, Guru Maharaja started his Gayatri, and will take his lunch prasadam.

Around 2pm Guru Maharaja started his lunch, some maha-prasadam from Samadhi added to his lunch prasadam like some subjis, murukkus, etc. 

After that, Guru Maharaja was watching a news about the abortion in US states, how different states has different laws. Like in Texas the abortion is a criminal offence, and in California it is not, so like this many details discussed.

Then he was watching the US election campaigns. Like Trump, Kamala Harris.

Around 3:30pm Guru Maharaja slept. We decided that, we won’t wake him up, as long as he sleep, that is very good for his recovery. 

Around, 6:40 pm, he woke up: and asked what time is it? When is Tirobhava time? At that time, Vaisnava Priya Prabhu came and said, “Why not we send one garland, after touching Guru Maharaja and offer in Samadhi.” And, I said, get one garland immediately, then we said to Guru Maharaja. And he touched and sent to Samadhi mandir to give it to His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu to offer it.

Then, Guru Maharaja was watching live classes from the pandal. Mandakini Mataji was speaking.

Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu entered the dialysis room, and asked about Guru Maharaja’s well being, then he requested, if you would like to give a message for the pandala then we can play. Initially Guru Maharaja didn’t say anything. Then he said, “Okay!”

Guru Maharaja started to describe different pastimes in Montreal, Kolkata, etc, and Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu asked me to repeat, I was not ready to repeat, as I didn’t do for a long time. Somehow managed to repeat. Guru Maharaja recorded for 15 mins, then the tirobhava time came, so we turned on the Mayapur Tv - and samadhi live was there. Guru Maharaja was very much focused and watching the whole je anilo Kirtana, and in complete meditation.

Then again we resumed the recording, and it was going on for another 15mins. So total it was almost 30mins of recording. Then Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu gave that recording to Gopati Krishna Prabhu and sent it to Pandal to play over there. By the time he reached over there, His Holiness Rādhānātha Swami Maharaja completed Je Anilo song and was coming down, and he asked Maharaja about playing the audio. As the crowd were all disbursed, Maharaja asked him, if we play now, it is very much disrespectful to Maharaja, so you ask Maharaja - what should we do? So, it was decided that tomorrow we will play it.

And then Guru Maharaja continued to watch some news - world news. And meanwhile, there was an initiation for one boy, which was arranged. He is young. This boy and family is from Singapore. When the parents approached Maha Varaha Prabhu, he initially said, he is not even 12, so we cannot accept him. Then the boy himself came and presented to Maha Varaha Prabhu and seeing this young boys desire and determination, he accepted his requested and asked the office to process his initiation. This boy took shelter two years back, and he also completed his Bhakti-sastri.

This boy and family came today morning to take diksa, but they didn’t know that Guru Maharaja is sick, so we sent them back saying that, we will see in the evening if Guru Maharaja recover we will call you. But, Guru Maharaja was tired… and now I went and informed Guru Maharaja. And Guru Maharaja asked what is his date of birth, so I called his father and connected Guru Maharaja over phone. Then Guru Maharaja calculated and said, he is only 11 years and 5 months old. He is very very young. And his father said, he wants to be committed so he wants to take diksa. Guru Maharaja again said, even if he is 12 still very young. Then, his father said, two years back he took shelter, but in between he couldn’t chant his round regularly, but from this Jan 2024, he is doing his Sadhana very regularly, and completed his Bhakti-sastri. Guru Maharaja said, “I am not convinced! You have to convince me!” And, his father said, “Okay Guru Maharaja!” I said, we will continue tomorrow morning this discussion, you send your points to Guru Maharaja, we will read out to him, if he convinced then tomorrow morning initiation, otherwise after six months.

Then, we asked Guru Maharaja would like to take your dinner now. Prema Vinodini Mataji made a giloyi tea for Guru Maharaja, so he had along with some medicines. Guru Maharaja said, I would like to take pre-dinner now, it was 8:30pm, so Srivasa Prana Prabhu suggested that, better to have dinner directly and rest. Then Guru Maharaja said, I will take both my dinner and pre-dinner.

And Guru Maharaja was watching about the US election news. Actually, there is a reason behind watching US election. Last two months, Guru Maharaja closely observing the US election campaigns, and he writes letters to Kamala Harris. And she also responded to Guru Maharaja.

His idea is, whoever wins that is okay, somehow we have to bring them to the TOVP inauguration. So, Guru Maharaja is very eager to know, who will win, and if Kamala Harris wins, there may be more chances that she might come for the inauguration. As Śrīla Prabhupāda said, if you bring the king of England and the president of United States for the opening of the TOVP, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura will take you back to Godhead hand-to-hand.

Then Guru Maharaja taken his dinner, and spending time on correspondence with Siddha Hari Prabhu. And went to bed listening to Sri Caitanya-caritamrita. Guru Maharaja didn’t go to rooftop to his room, he stayed back in the 3rd floor, dialysis room. (END) — Personal Diary - Syama Rasika Dasa.

4-5/NOV/2024 - Sri Mayapur dhama, India

Guru Maharaja had his darsana of the Deities and came to 3rd floor for his dialysis. While coming, I updated him about the Birnagar land papers, as Aksaya Ramacandra Prabhu was there. And, he also updated Guru Maharaja, and he will work as a priority and get required documents, and update Guru Maharaja. Then, Guru Maharaja entered the dialysis room, some specialised doctors for AV fistula are here in Mayapur for His Holiness Rādhānātha Swami Maharaja’s Yatra, so it was arranged for the AV fistula to activate and do a dialysis, as this AV fistula was installed by a doctor from Chennai in Delhi. And now it is almost matured, but the Chennai doctor is not able to give time, as he is super busy. And the permacath installed in Guru Maharaja’s neck is almost now 6 months. And we have to activate this AV fistula, so that after a month, Guru Maharaja could get relief from this permacath and also, he can use swimming pool to do exercises, and take normal bath, etc. Moreover, permacath should not get any infection, so far very carefully maintained. 

So these two doctors this morning started to work on the AV Fistula, and installed two needles for the blood to flow, as per the experiences, first two or three dialysis will be challenging to start with AV fistula. And, they did successfully. After that, in the afternoon after Guru Maharaja’s lunch, he started to feel shivering and the body temperature was increasing. So, we cancelled all the evening programs. As Guru Maharaja went to bed around 4:15pm, we thought Guru Maharaja might sleep until 7pm and if he feels good, then we can request him to take his dinner and more rest. 

Then also we informed the Yatra pandal that Guru Maharaja cannot come today. His Holiness Rādhānātha Swami Maharaja had a wish to have big Kirtana for Guru Maharaja, after hearing that Guru Maharaja is not coming, he said, we will miss him and we offer prayers for his recovery.

But his BP went high - up to 206/96. And immediately Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu gave a BP medicines and cold water sponging to reduce the fever, and brought it under control around 12 midnight. Then the BP got maintained. 

Around 4:30am - Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu was shaving Guru Maharaja’s hand to put an IV line to take blood samples for testing and give antibiotics, but it was very difficult to get a vain. Then, Maha Varaha Prabhu asked them to use the permacath, so we can avoid pricking. So they started doing it. But, the thing is, Guru Maharaja was in deep sleep as they were doing all the pricking etc.

Around 5:30am woke up, and took medicines and some water, and again went back to sleep. Meanwhile, we are preparing to keep the Caravan and KIA to be ready to transport Guru Maharaja to Kolkata, if it is required.

And Maha Varaha Prabhu and I started to check Guru Maharaja’s astrological chart and predictions. There was one document sent by Sarvajaya Madhava Prabhu with the predictions for one whole year of Guru Maharaja’s chart from a famous astrologer from the Europe. And in that she mentioned that, 7th November there will be a change in your assistance, and it will be a good strong position. And, I was thinking that, as Maha Varaha Prabhu will be going to Ayodhya today, and I will be with Guru Maharaja for next 12 days. May be it was predicted, or May be someone else will come. Then it is mentioned that, there might be hospitalisation, and also it will show a scary time.

Then, we called Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu to check Guru Maharaja’s astrology, as he always check and give directions. And he said, the astrology says: Guru Maharaja is now in a samadhi state, he is in spiritual bliss - but his body is suffering, mentally he is bliss. Then he said, as per the chart, Guru Maharaja might have to get hospitalised and he will get the pain of pricking of needles. So, we have to be very careful in transporting him from Mayapur to any Hospital. Then we were discussing on different questions, and I asked him, “We have an ICU setup in 3rd floor, can we shift Guru Maharaja from his residence to 3rd floor, which is considered like a Hospital, will this do any positivity to avoid taking him to Kolkata?” And he said, the time you asked this question, the Lagna in his chart changed to auspicious, so as per the Prasana rules, it is very auspicious, so immediately move him to 3rd floor. So, it is a big relief. And we decided to shift Guru Maharaja as soon as he wakes up and bring him to 3rd floor and continue the treatment. We started fumigation and getting the room ready. There is a doubt also, the fever may be due to bacterial infection, so once the blood reports comes - accordingly they will do the treatment.

Guru Maharaja woke up and took medicines, and asked what date today? And what are the festivals today and what program? And after hearing from Deva Gauranga Prabhu, he went back to sleep again.

Today is a very big day of Festival, but Guru Maharaja cannot participate. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s disappearance day.

I asked, Vaisnava Priya Prabhu to call Madhava Hari Prabhu and start a puja and arcana win Guru Maharaja’s name.

Discussing with Maha Varaha Prabhu that, if Guru Maharaja’s health is not good, then we have to consider cancelling 9th initiation program. And, we had a phone conversation with Ramgiri Prabhu from New Mumbai, regarding the temple opening of ISKCON Khargar. A big temple, Sur Dasa Prabhu (a senior disciple of His Holiness Gopala Krishna Goswami Maharaja) competing this temple construction after 15 years. So, they desire Guru Maharaja to come and take part in the inauguration on January 14, 2025. And Prime Minister Modi also will participating in this grand temple opening.